2016 Kia Optima
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- LX/LX+/EX/LX Eco Turbo 4dr Sedan, Sx/Sxl 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 37 combined · 35 city / 38 hwy
- Length
- 191.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,225–3,594 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 37 MPG combined — 41% better than the average 2016 midsize car (26.2 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints764 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 164 for similar models — most often about the engine.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Kia Optima is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,225 lb (LX/LX+/EX/LX Eco Turbo 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 37 MPG combined (35 city / 38 highway), 41% better than the 2016 midsize car average of 26.2 MPG, for an estimated $1,800 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 764 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2016
- Engine added: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Optima →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX/LX+/EX/LX Eco Turbo 4dr Sedan | 191.3 in | 73.2 in | 57.9 in | 110.6 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 3,225 lb | 61/39 |
| Sx/Sxl 4dr Sedan | 191.3 in | 73.2 in | 57.9 in | 110.6 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 3,594 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optima Hybrid Hybrid | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 / 38 / 37 | +41% | $1,800 | 242 |
| Optima Hybrid EX Hybrid | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 / 38 / 36 | +37% | $1,850 | 247 |
| Optima | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 37 / 31 | +46% | $2,150 | 286 |
| Optima FE | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 36 / 29 | +37% | $2,300 | 308 |
| Optima | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 28 | +32% | $2,400 | 320 |
| Optima | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | +18% | $2,700 | 360 |
| Optima FE | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | +18% | $2,700 | 355 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.8% |


Similar 2016 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Kia Optima (this car) | 37 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2016 Honda Civic | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 Honda Accord | 30 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Chevrolet Impala | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2016 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2016 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (5)
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch · Aug 24, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V594000 · 319,436 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
- Risk
- A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.
Engine · Dec 19, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · 71,653 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Jan 6, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V007000 · 1 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) has recalled one 2016 Optima vehicle. In this vehicle, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- The affected vehicle was remedied on January 10, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC143.
Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft · Oct 3, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V705000 · 12,214 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 13, 2015, to April 23, 2016 and equipped with a 2.4l engine. The right front axle driveshaft may crack and fail.
- Risk
- If the driveshaft cracks and separates from the vehicle, it will not be able to move forward. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied upon exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC139.
Air Bags › Frontal · Apr 21, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V231000 · 17 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 10, 2015, to February 12, 2016. In these vehicles, a chemical enhancer required for the for the second stage deployment of the driver's frontal air bag was not loaded, resulting in the second stage not deploying in necessitating crashes.
- Risk
- If the second stage air bag does not deploy it increases the risk of injury or death.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 6, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC131.
Not every 2016 Kia Optima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Kia Optima buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 428 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 102 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 75 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 68,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Kia Optima. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Optima years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 153 |
| 2019 Optima | 41 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 213 |
| 2018 Optima | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 244 |
| 2017 Optima | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 306 |
| 2015 Optima | 37 | 190.6 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 1,020 |
| 2014 Optima | 37 | 190.6 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 580 |
| 2013 Optima | 37 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 10 | 1,352 |
| 2012 Optima | 36 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 6 | 917 |
| 2011 Optima | 36 | – | Not rated | 6 | 544 |
| 2010 Optima | 25 | – | Not rated | 1 | 41 |
| 2009 Optima | 25 | – | Not rated | 1 | 55 |
| 2008 Optima | 25 | – | Not rated | 3 | 60 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →